Last updated: 28/08/2018, 9:16 AM

Get out, stay out and call 999 reminder after Islington flat fire

27/08/2018 23:33
Islington
House or flat fire
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Firefighters have issued a warning to not delay in calling the Brigade after a fire at a flat in Mitchison Road in Islington last night.

A man awoke to see flames at the end of his bed before a smoke alarm sounded and alerted the two other occupants of the flat to the fire.

The three residents attempted to fight the fire themselves and the Brigade was called by a neighbour who heard a smoke alarm sounding and saw flames coming from the first floor.

After their attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, the three occupants left the property.

Watch manager Mel Anderson, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked really hard to bring the fire under control quickly and they contained the fire to the room of origin.

“It is vitally important that you do not attempt to tackle fires yourselves and to leave it to the professionals. As soon as you become aware of a fire in your property, get out, stay out and call 999.”

All three occupants of the flat were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation and one occupant was taken to hospital for further treatment.

The Brigade was called at 2333 and the fire was under control at 0103. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Islington, Shoreditch, Stoke Newington and Homerton fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been caused as a candle coming into contact with bedding.

How to use candles and incense safely

  1. Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
  2. These items should always be held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over.
  3. Keep them away from materials that might catch fire – that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
  4. Be especially careful if you have a lot of flammable items in your home, like collections of books, magazines or papers.
  5. Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
  6. To avoid accidents keep candles and other naked flames out of reach of children and pets.
  7. LED candles can be a great alternative – they're safe even if you fall asleep or forget to blow them out.